philip lelyveld The world of entertainment technology

21Sep/16Off

VR Privacy Problem Is Real: Here’s What You Need To Know To Protect Yourself

picture1But now, virtual reality is threatening to erode our privacy to a new level from knowing how we physically move around to the brain waves we emit. Even though VR technology is still in its infancy, privacy advocates already quickly raising red flags concerned that consumers don't know what virtual reality companies can glean from our use of their devices.

Although noting that Oculus Rift "…will have a big effect on the future of technology," Franken also vowed to "…make sure that the company is doing everything it can to protect the very sensitive, private data of its users," he said in a statement in mid-May.

Consumers, of course, are already fairly comfortable with companies knowing their whereabouts—and those details are not unique to virtual reality, of course. But knowing a user's head movement? That their eyes glanced to one figure and not another while wearing a VR headset? Those details are unique.

... there's a potential benefit to this data collection, as well. With more data, brands will likely create marketing campaigns that the end-user may feel is more relevant to them.

Three-quarters, or 75 percent, of those on Forbes' World's Most Valuable Brands list, have created some form of virtual or augmented reality experience for customers or employees, or are themselves innovating and developing these technologies, according to YouVisit's Virtual Reality Brand Power Index.

Lock your device down

With VR devices and headsets, Levin recommends customers protect themselves right from the start. First? Be aware of the data that is collected about them. Next? Change default settings when those are provided, and set up a separate email address and passwords for gadgets that operate in virtual environments. If someone hacks into one online service, they then won't be able to use your login and password everywhere else on the net.

Companies then bear some responsibility sits with companies in creating privacy policies that are simple and clear—about what's collected on them and what isn't— so consumers can make an informed decision about whether to use their services or not, says Levin. Otherwise, more officials, like Franken, are likely to step up and force the issue further.

See the full story here: http://www.gearbrain.com/virtual-reality-privacy-consumer-battle-rights-1845199637.html

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